1975 Hard top Targa Question

[6554321]

I recently purchased a 1975 Targa with the factory (1975 only) hard top targa top. It is really nice but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to operate the top. It has two hinges that seems to loosen a latch to a point but not to the point of releasing the top. Does anyone have any experience with these? I know it is an unusual top with a unique latch. Anyone? Thanks

[timmy2]

Pull then push the plastic latch handle all the way down to a vertical position. Then pull down on them. The small metal latch should pop out of the slot towards you. I sometimes have to reach up and push down the top above it as well. (signs of a good front seal!)

[RNajarian]

. . Just be careful not to put too much pressure on the plastic handles of the latch, they are nearly 40 years old and I cannot find a replacement for the one I broke.

Having said that the hardtop for our car is a fantastic item. Would not trade it for the collapsible fabric one at all. You get the best of both worlds, open motoring with the top off and with it closed the a cab is a lot quieter.

[porwolf]

Is that how your hard top looks like? Those handles look different from standard Targa top handles and the clamp mechanism also seems to be different.

FS Saratoga Top 911 Targa

[Oldporsche]

The plastic handles on your hardtop are similar to the handles found on the convertibles. They are not the same as the ones on the folding top. BTW, can you feel the socket for the center pin in the roll bar under the inside fabric covering. I haven't looked but I think the '75 targa could accept both types of tops.

[nineball]

the factory hard top had latches/handles that were unlike any others, targa or cab. it's true they are NLA and NO ONE sells replacements. we looked into getting them reproduced and were quoted $80,000 just for the tooling and setup. needless to say we went another route.

[timmy2]

I am currently making a mold of the plastic portion of the handle based on the ones I have on my top. Should have the prototype results this weekend.
Something I've been meaning to do, but was inspired/reminded by this thread enough to pull the handles and pour the first 1/2 of the mold last night.
Stay tuned.

[fanaudical]

Timmy - I have contemplated machining replacement handles for mine, but don't have "complete" handles (the retention tabs are broken off). I'd be interested in a set if you get them done.

Nineball - Have you had anybody quote making those latch parts in DMLS (direct metal laser sintering)? I've had some other parts quoted recently for work and while the prices are high they do at least make things possible...

[timmy2]

As I am making mine from two slightly broken ones that have flaws in different areas, they may not come out perfect, but will serve the function. There is one small tab on the bottom that is chipped exactly the same on both of mine so I will try to build it up to what I think it should look like.
I will be casting mine out of black high strength High temp (up to 325F) plastic resin After I finish the model and make a final casting. Curing takes 4 hours at 170 and 2 hours at 300F.

If someone had a perfect one for me to use to make the mold, I would be done with it in just a few days and return it just like new. (Well, maybe cleaner)!

[timmy2]

This portion will be a guess to build it up square for height.




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[nineball]

send a pm to toddc. he may have one good handle still.

[timmy2]

I just sent him a PM.
Thanks,
Dennis

[fanaudical]

Huh - My handles are broken in the same spot.

[timmy2]

Originally Posted by fanaudical

Huh - My handles are broken in the same spot.

Must be the weak spot. Happen to have a picture or drawing of what it should look like?
Mine seem to latch in place and hold quite well even with that piece being broken.

Mold is finished and I poured the black resin for the prototype tonight, has to cook overnight and I'll see what I end up with tomorrow.

[Howard M]

My handles were also broken in what I believe to be the same spot you are all talking about. It doesn't affect the clamping function to the window frame, but the handle hangs down because the broken retaining lip prevents the handle from snapping into its stowed position. I solved this by cementing a magnet to each facing surface. The handle now "snaps" into and out of position by the magnetic action. The magnet pairs are available at any hobby store.

[timmy2]

Interesting fix Howard.
Mine don't drop down at all once latched even with that piece missing.
I never even noticed they were missing anything until I took them off.
Still wish I knew what the original should look like.
Even better would be an unbroken original to copy....

[niushork]

Originally Posted by timmy2

Interesting fix Howard.
Mine don't drop down at all once latched even with that piece missing.
I never even noticed they were missing anything until I took them off.
Still wish I knew what the original should look like.
Even better would be an unbroken original to copy....

I have one of my latches in original form. The part you are missing is like a tab that holds the latch into place.
I have sent that original latch for 3D scanning and will be printing it in a 3D printer.
As soon as I have the results will let everyone know.

[carsinc]

I had the handles made but the rest of the latch missing ANy one have the latch portion to copy. Also NLA are the rosettes which reinforce the mounting area on the car. They are new and I have 8 left.

Targa Dan

[niushork]

Originally Posted by carsinc

I had the handles made but the rest of the latch missing ANy one have the latch portion to copy. Also NLA are the rosettes which reinforce the mounting area on the car. They are new and I have 8 left.

Targa Dan

Hi Dan, I have an original latch that is in perfect condition. I was able to remove it and will send it to 3D scan in the coming days. From there I will be 3D printing and will revert with the results. If the part is right and there is interest I will be more than happy to further print more copies of it at cost. The most "expensive" is the 3D scanning that I was quoted USD 120. If i can recoup the original investment I will be happy and help the rest of the Targa owners in getting a correct replacement.

[carsinc]

I finally found mine. 2 without any handles and one with a half of a handle. That one works. I had 4 handles made out of aluminum which will work but are not authentic.
targadan